Dietary antioxidant supplementation combined with quercetin improves cycling time trial performance

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006 Aug;16(4):405-19. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.16.4.405.

Abstract

We investigated whether 6 wk of antioxidant supplementation (AS) would enhance 30 km time trial (TT) cycling performance. Eleven elite male cyclists completed a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study to test the effects of twice daily AS containing essential vitamins plus quercetin (FRS), and AS minus quercetin (FRS-Q) versus a baseline TT (B). MANOVA analysis showed that time to complete the 30 km TT was improved by 3.1% on FRS compared to B (P < 0.01), and by 2% over the last 5 km (P < 0.05). Absolute and relative (%HRmax) heart rates and percent VO2max were not different between trials, but average and relative power (% peak power) was higher on FRS (P < or = 0.01). Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation were not different between trials. Thus, FRS supplementation significantly improved high-intensity cycling TT performance through enhancement of power output. Further study is needed to determine the potential mechanism(s) of the antioxidant efficacy.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Bicycling
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Synergism
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Physical Endurance / drug effects*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Quercetin / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Quercetin